Published June 18, 2026
Your Complete Guide to Vape Juice & E-Liquid in Canada
Choosing the right e-liquid is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a vaper. The e-liquid you use determines your flavour, throat hit, nicotine satisfaction, and how well your device performs. With hundreds of options on the market, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to vaping.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about vape juice in Canada: the difference between freebase and salt nicotine, how to read VG/PG ratios, which nicotine strength to choose, the major flavour categories, and which e-liquids work best with different devices. Whether you're switching from smoking or looking to try something new, this guide will help you find the perfect e-liquid at NYX Vape.
Freebase vs Salt Nicotine: What's the Difference?
Every bottled e-liquid falls into one of two categories: freebase nicotine or salt nicotine (also called nic salt). Understanding the difference is the single most important step in choosing the right vape juice.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids since the early days of vaping. It delivers a noticeable throat hit, especially at higher nicotine levels, and is designed for use with higher-wattage devices like sub-ohm tanks and box mods.
- Typical Bottle Size: 60mL
- Nicotine Strengths: 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg
- VG/PG Ratio: Usually 70/30 or 80/20
- Best For: Sub-ohm tanks, box mods, starter kits, and anyone who wants bigger clouds and bolder flavour
- Throat Hit: More pronounced, especially at 6mg and above
Browse all Freebase E-Liquid at NYX Vape.
Salt Nicotine (Nic Salt)
Salt nicotine uses a modified form of nicotine that's smoother at higher concentrations. This makes it possible to vape at 20mg without the harsh throat hit you'd get from 20mg freebase. Nic salts are designed for low-wattage pod systems and deliver nicotine more quickly, closely mimicking the satisfaction of a cigarette.
- Typical Bottle Size: 30mL
- Nicotine Strengths: 10mg, 20mg
- VG/PG Ratio: Usually 50/50
- Best For: Pod systems, open pod devices, MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping
- Throat Hit: Smooth, even at higher nicotine levels
Freebase vs Salt Nic at a Glance
| Feature | Freebase | Salt Nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Size | 60mL | 30mL |
| Nicotine Range | 0mg–18mg | 10mg–20mg |
| VG/PG | 70/30 or 80/20 | 50/50 |
| Throat Hit | Stronger | Smoother |
| Cloud Production | Larger clouds | Moderate clouds |
| Nicotine Absorption | Gradual | Fast (closer to a cigarette) |
| Ideal Device | Sub-ohm tanks, box mods | Pod systems, MTL devices |
Understanding VG/PG Ratios
Every e-liquid is made from a base of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG), mixed in different ratios. The VG/PG ratio directly affects your vaping experience:
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is thicker and produces more vapour. Higher VG means bigger clouds and a smoother, slightly sweeter mouthfeel. E-liquids with 70% VG or higher are designed for sub-ohm devices that can handle thicker liquid.
PG (Propylene Glycol) is thinner and carries flavour more effectively. Higher PG means a stronger throat hit and more intense flavour, but smaller clouds. PG-heavy liquids wick better in smaller coils, making them ideal for pod systems.
Common VG/PG Ratios
| Ratio | Clouds | Throat Hit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80/20 VG/PG | Maximum | Very smooth | Sub-ohm tanks, cloud chasing |
| 70/30 VG/PG | Large | Mild | Sub-ohm tanks, starter kits (most popular freebase ratio) |
| 50/50 VG/PG | Moderate | Noticeable | Pod systems, MTL devices (standard for nic salts) |
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Selecting the right nicotine level depends on your smoking history and the type of device you use. Here's a general guide:
For freebase e-liquid (sub-ohm devices):
- 0mg: No nicotine. For vapers who enjoy the flavour and habit but don't want nicotine
- 3mg: Light nicotine. Best for light smokers or experienced vapers stepping down
- 6mg: Moderate nicotine. Good for average smokers transitioning to vaping
- 12mg: Strong nicotine. Suited for heavier smokers using sub-ohm devices
- 18mg: Very strong. Typically used in MTL setups with freebase liquid
For salt nicotine (pod systems):
- 10mg: Moderate satisfaction. Good for light to average smokers
- 20mg: Strong satisfaction. Closest to the nicotine delivery of a cigarette, ideal for heavier smokers or recent switchers
Important: Never use high-nicotine salt e-liquid (20mg) in a sub-ohm tank. The combination of high nicotine and high wattage delivers an extremely harsh and unpleasant hit. Salt nic is designed exclusively for low-wattage pod systems and MTL devices.
E-Liquid Flavour Categories
NYX Vape organizes e-liquids into four main flavour categories, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
Fruit Flavours
By far the most popular category, fruit e-liquids cover everything from single-fruit profiles like watermelon or mango to complex blends like strawberry-kiwi-watermelon. Most Canadian e-liquid brands offer extensive fruit lineups in both freebase and salt nic. If you're not sure where to start, fruit flavours are the safest bet for most vapers.
Browse all Fruit E-Liquids.
Menthol & Ice Flavours
Menthol and ice e-liquids add a cooling sensation to your vape. Some are pure menthol or mint, while many combine fruit flavours with an icy exhale (like "Strawberry Ice" or "Blue Raspberry Ice"). This is the second most popular category and a go-to for former menthol cigarette smokers.
Browse all Menthol & Ice E-Liquids.
Tobacco Flavours
Tobacco e-liquids replicate the rich, earthy taste of traditional tobacco. Options range from classic American tobacco and bold Virginia blends to more complex profiles with nutty or caramel undertones. These are especially popular among smokers who want a familiar flavour as they transition to vaping.
Browse all Tobacco E-Liquids.
Flavourless
Flavourless e-liquid provides the nicotine and vapour production without any added taste. It's a niche option, but some vapers prefer a completely neutral experience or use it to dilute other e-liquids.
Browse all Flavourless E-Liquids.
Popular E-Liquid Brands at NYX Vape
NYX Vape carries a wide selection of Canadian and international e-liquid brands. Here are some of the most popular options, each offering both freebase and salt nic lines unless noted otherwise.
NYX E-Liquids
NYX E-Liquids is our house brand, offering one of the widest flavour selections available. With both freebase (60mL) and salt nic (30mL) options across dozens of flavour profiles, NYX E-Liquids are crafted in Canada and cover everything from fruit blends to tobacco and dessert. NYX also offers a unique Custom Juice option where you can choose your flavour, nicotine type, strength, and VG/PG ratio for a fully personalized 100mL bottle.
Lemon Drop
Lemon Drop is one of Canada's best-selling e-liquid brands, known for adding a signature lemon twist to every flavour. From Blue Raspberry and Peach to Watermelon and Grape, each blend features a zesty lemon backbone that sets it apart. Available in freebase (60mL, 0mg–12mg) and salt nic (30mL).
Berry Drop
Berry Drop puts berries front and centre, offering rich, berry-forward profiles with the same quality and range as Lemon Drop. Flavours include Strawberry, Raspberry, Grape, and more. Available in both freebase and salt nic.
Apple Drop
Apple Drop builds every flavour around a crisp apple base. If you love apple-forward vapes, this line delivers in both freebase and salt formats.
Koil Killaz
Koil Killaz is a Canadian brand known for bold, complex fruit blends. Popular flavours include Savage (strawberry, watermelon, kiwi), Rampage (mango, pineapple, guava), and Sasquatch (grape, green apple). Available in freebase (60mL, 70/30 VG/PG) with a Polar (iced) edition line, plus salt nic options.
Kapow
Kapow offers vibrant, punchy flavour profiles in both freebase and salt nic. Known for delivering intense fruit and candy-inspired blends.
Naked 100
Naked 100 is an internationally recognized American brand known for clean, well-balanced fruit and menthol profiles. A premium option with consistent quality across their lineup.
FruitBae
FruitBae focuses on fruit-forward flavours with a smooth finish. A strong Canadian brand with a wide variety of options in both nicotine formats.
Chill & Chill Twisted
Chill and Chill Twisted are known for their cool, refreshing blends. The Twisted line features more complex flavour combinations, while the original Chill line keeps things straightforward and satisfying.
Vice Salt
Vice Salt offers a massive selection of salt nic e-liquids matching the flavour profiles found in Vice disposable vapes. If you've tried a Vice disposable and want to enjoy that flavour in a refillable pod system, this is the line to look at.
Blackwood
Blackwood specializes in tobacco and bold flavour profiles, offering a premium alternative for vapers who prefer richer, more traditional tastes.
More Brands
NYX Vape also carries Banana Bang, Juiced Up, Iced Up, Suavae, Freshly Squeezed, Brew House, Crave, ORO, Flip Juice, That's Mint, Hundred, and many more.
Which E-Liquid Works with Your Device?
Using the wrong type of e-liquid in your device can lead to poor flavour, dry hits, leaking, or an unpleasant nicotine experience. Here's a quick guide to matching your e-liquid to your device:
Pod Systems (Open Pod)
Devices like the Vaporesso XROS, GeekVape Sonder Q 2, or Caliburn use low-wattage coils designed for thinner e-liquid. Use salt nicotine (50/50 VG/PG) for the best performance. Freebase at low nicotine (3mg–6mg) can also work in some pods, but the flavour and vapour may be muted.
Sub-Ohm Tanks & Box Mods
Devices like the GeekVape Aegis Legend 5 or SMOK starter kits use high-wattage coils that vaporize more liquid per puff. Use freebase e-liquid (70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG) at 3mg–6mg nicotine. Never use salt nic in a sub-ohm tank.
Starter Kits
Most starter kits come with a sub-ohm tank and operate at moderate wattage. Freebase e-liquid at 70/30 VG/PG with 3mg–6mg nicotine is the standard choice. Check your kit's coil resistance: if it's below 1.0 ohm, stick with freebase.
Disposable Vapes
Disposables come pre-filled and are not refillable. However, if you've found a disposable flavour you love, many brands offer the same flavour profile in bottled salt nic form. For example, Vice Salt matches Vice disposable flavours, and Geek Bar Nic Salts match Geek Bar Pulse flavours. See our Disposable Vapes Guide for more.
Device-to-E-Liquid Compatibility Table
| Device Type | E-Liquid Type | VG/PG | Nicotine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pod System (MTL) | Salt Nic | 50/50 | 10mg–20mg |
| Sub-Ohm Tank | Freebase | 70/30 or 80/20 | 0mg–6mg |
| Box Mod + Tank | Freebase | 70/30 or 80/20 | 0mg–6mg |
| Starter Kit | Freebase | 70/30 | 3mg–6mg |
| MTL Tank (above 1.0Ω) | Salt Nic or Freebase | 50/50 | Varies |
NYX Custom Juice: Build Your Own E-Liquid
Can't find the exact combination you're looking for? NYX Custom Juice lets you create a fully personalized 100mL bottle of e-liquid. Choose your flavour from the full NYX lineup, select freebase or salt nicotine, set your preferred nicotine strength, and even adjust the VG/PG ratio. You can add special instructions in your order notes for a truly unique blend.
Custom orders require 2–4 business days for production and are not available for same-day delivery.
How to Store Your E-Liquid
Proper storage keeps your e-liquid tasting fresh for longer. Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and heat, as both can degrade nicotine and mute flavours. A cool, dark cupboard or drawer is ideal. Always keep e-liquid bottles sealed when not in use, and store them out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix freebase and salt nic e-liquids?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended for beginners. Mixing can alter the nicotine strength and VG/PG ratio in unpredictable ways, potentially affecting flavour, throat hit, and device performance. If you want to experiment, start with small amounts.
How long does a 30mL bottle of salt nic last?
This depends entirely on how much you vape. For an average pod system user, a 30mL bottle typically lasts one to two weeks. Heavier vapers may go through a bottle in a week or less.
Why does my e-liquid taste burnt?
A burnt taste usually means your coil needs replacing, your wattage is set too high, or you're vaping faster than the coil can wick. If you've just installed a new coil, make sure to prime it by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton and letting it soak for five to ten minutes before vaping.
What's the difference between "ice" and non-ice flavours?
"Ice" flavours add a cooling menthol sensation to the base flavour profile. For example, "Strawberry" is a pure strawberry taste, while "Strawberry Ice" adds a cold, minty exhale. If you enjoy menthol cigarettes or a refreshing finish, ice flavours are worth trying.
Is 20mg salt nic too strong for me?
If you're a pack-a-day or heavier smoker, 20mg salt nic in a pod system will likely feel right. If you're a light smoker (a few cigarettes a day), start with 10mg and see how it feels. You can always move up if the nicotine satisfaction isn't enough.
Can I use any e-liquid in my pod system?
Most open pod systems work best with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid (salt nic). Using high-VG freebase juice (70/30 or 80/20) in a pod system can cause poor wicking, muted flavour, and dry hits because the liquid is too thick for the small coil to absorb efficiently.
Does NYX Vape ship e-liquid across Canada?
Yes. NYX Vape ships all e-liquids across Canada with free shipping on orders over $75. Same-day delivery is available in the Toronto GTA, and you can also visit any of our six Ontario retail locations for personalized recommendations.
